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NISSAN PATROL CLUB OF S.A. December 2014

Patrolling

Volume 36 Number 6

December 2014

Patrolling

NISSAN PATROL CLUB OF S.A. December 2014

NISSAN PATROL CLUB OF S.A. December 2014 Page 3

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President:

Helen Richards

Vice-President:

Wayne Dunn

Secretary:

Craig Wood

Treasurer:

Marina Langer

Minute Secretary:

Christine Robinson

Trips Officer:

Angelo Tsirbas

Public Relations Officer:

Kathy Grigg

Editor:

Kate Church

Membership Officer:

Tricia Goodrich

Historian/Archivist:

Pauline &

Jim Byfield

Property Officer:

Brian Robinson

Past President

Marina Langer

Committee Members:

Jeffrey Schapel

Allan Langer

Colin Goodrich

Brian Cook

FWDSA Delegates:

Wayne Dunn

Brian Cook

Driver Training Unit Delegate:

Dave Richards

Web master:

Rod Kitto

Fund Raiser

Dallas Dunn

Driver Trainer/Assessor:

Dave Richards

Auditor:

Kevin Osborn

Magazine Sub-Committee: Mail Out Kate Church Tech Talk Peter Stewart

CLUB Nissan Patrol Club of South Australia Inc PO Box 153 KILKENNY SA 5009 MAGAZINE Kate Church PO Box 7469 WEST LAKES SA 5021 Phone: 8447 6544 Email: [email protected]

WEB ADDRESS

www.nissanpatrolclubsa.org Email: [email protected]

CLUB MEETINGS are held at the Challa Gardens Primary School, Humphries Terrace (off Torrens Road), Kilkenny on the first Thursday of every month except January. Meetings commence at 7.30 pm. The Nissan Patrol Club is a member of Four Wheel Drive SA Inc (FWDSA), which is a member of Four Wheel Drive Australia Pty Ltd (formerly the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council Inc (ANFWDC)). UHF Channel 21 is recognised as the official Club radio channel.

Nissan Patrol Club of South Australia Inc Established 1979

ADDRESSES

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Well here we are nearing the end of 2014 and it has been an exceptionally busy year for most which this bumper issue of reports reflects. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have contributed reports, photo’s and assistance to make this, my year as Editor a successful one. I must say, if any one is looking forward to hopping on board the Committee, you will no doubt enjoy the experience and the satisfaction that you accomplish by doing so. I wish you all a very Happy Festive Season and hope you enjoy a healthy, happy and trip filled 2015! Kate

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Trip Reports, photos, and any items of interest are all welcome. Please forward to the Editor. Contact details on page 3.

THE DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY ISSUE IS:- 23 JANUARY 2015

Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not those of the Nissan Patrol Club of SA, unless specific reference is made to the article

Front cover is a February 2011 adaptation from Marie Schultz’s 2003 original concept.

Patrolling the Editor’s Desk

30 YEARS AGO - 1984

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 1984 - (a precis) This year has proved to be yet another success for the Nissan Patrol Club. Involvement by members has steadily increased as they have become more familiar with the Club aims and each other. We have welcomed new members at almost every meeting and member interest has remained constant. We have maintained the high calibre of speakers and entertainment we have learnt to expect. Of eleven monthly meetings, eight were accompanied by presentations by members and the remaining three were ideal opportunities for members to socialize. Other meetings which should be brought to notice and are important to the success of this club are the Committee meetings, those special meetings attended by representatives, RVCC meetings, 4WD Assoc. meetings and forums which this club needs, to contribute for the benefit of members interests. Throughout the year the committee have arranged a number of functions and have been pleased by the support given to:- Canoe races at Hogwash; Mid year Dinner; Square Dance; Peter Taylor’s mud week-end and Xmas picnic at Belair. The object of this club is to promote and encourage members to organize trips and invite other members along in order to add to both the safety and enjoyment. Trips completed this year - Murray Mouth; Map Reading; Innaminka-Cooper Creek; Dargo & back; Andamooka & Nthrn Flinders; Srezlecki-Birdsville; Frazer Island; Nth Flinders-Gammon Ranges; Big Desert Vic., Mystery night run; Mystery Trip; Back track to Hogwash; The Grampians; Alice Springs via Old Ghan Line; Lake Eyre-Coopers Creek; North Western Aust. As can be seen there has been a fair section of country covered by members during the past year, all trips proved to be well organized and executed with no known mishaps. The achievements during the past year cannot help but make me feel proud to have been able to serve on the committee. I take the opportunity to thank all committee members for their effort and on their behalf thank all the members for their support during the year. I wish the incoming committee all the best for the coming year and feel sure the future of this club is in good hands by the quality of the members who belong to it. I wish all members a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Brian Cook NPC19


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All participants must register their name and vehicle registration on the trip sheet, or advise the trip leader of their participation. Registration is required to comply with the Club’s public liability insurance policy. Visitors are welcome to join most trips and social events; simply register your name on the sheet in the trip folder or see the Trips Officer. Visitors must also sign the Club “Warning” forms if participating on a trip.

All participants must confirm with the designated Trip Leader by the Confirmation Date that they still wish to attend the event or trip. Failure to do so will indicate to the Trip Leader that you do NOT wish to participate.

If at the last minute you are unable to join a trip for which you have registered, please make every endeavour to advise either the trip leader or someone else joining the trip. This will ensure the group is not held up waiting for a non-arrival.

(Remember to complete your ICE form prior to commencing on your Trip.)

The Club recommends that members have RAA membership to cover mechanical breakdowns on Club trips, and ambulance cover from the SA Ambulance Service or your

private health insurer to cover medical emergencies.

Dates Details Leader Confirmation Date

21 December. Christmas Breakfast in the Park -Hazelwood Park

President

23-26 Jan 2015 Murbko Lagoon - Australia Day weekend (see Advert page 14)

President

5 February 2015 Sausage Sizzle - followed by 1st General meeting for 2015. 6.00pm - BYO drinks and a salad for sharing.

3 - 6 April 2015 Easter—Skytrek - including Moxam’s Hut working party

Andrew

NPC 405)

27th Apr - 25th May 2015

Venus Bay Fishing Trip Janice (NPC 84)

COMING EVENTS

LOOKING TO PLAN A TRIP OR PERHAPS A DAY OUT?

There are plenty of knowledgeable folk within our club who are more than willing to help you organize your intended activity whether large or small—Just ask the Trips Officer or a member of the Committee to help direct you.

Show ‘n Tell—November General Meeting

Dave (A) showed an extendable torch which incorporated a magnet with a goose-neck ex-tension handy to check in dark/awkward situations—see Dave as to where to procure one! Rod discussed the Pivotel network pamphlet which is available to enable turning your smartphone into a Sat Nav. See Rod for further details. Andy discussed the availability of Bush Camp information via Wikicampsite link

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The President’s Points

Hi Patrollers, This is the final President Points for 2014. Our Family Christmas Picnic would have taken place after this goes to print. A heartfelt thank you to all the Committee for organising this special day. Our final event for 2014 will be our “Breakfast in the Park”. This event is always a chance to sit back, relax over a cuppa & breakfast & enjoy the friendship of our fellow members. Looking at our trips for 2015 we have a great start. Trips such as Murbko, Venus Bay, Theatre Night, Skytrek, Peake, Bushy’s, Octoberfest Willangi. If you feel the opportunity of running a trip or have an idea please let us know. Perhaps a day trip, a winery tour, beach run.........it’s up to you. We look forward to your participation & suggestions. Don’t forget our first meeting will be Thursday February 5th 2015. This will commence with our annual “Sausage Sizzle” at 6pm followed by our General meeting at 7.30pm. I have had so much fun this year as your President. 2014 has been a memorable year for me and I would like to thank you for your help & support which made my position so much easier & enjoyable. Thank you again to our Committee & my husband Dave for your love & support throughout the year. Finally both Dave & I wish you all our love & a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year, & look forward to another happy & successful 2015 with the Nissan Patrol Club. Just a message to you all........It is “Christmas in the heart that will always put Christmas in the air.” Happy travels, Your Club President Helen Richards (364)

NISSAN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Awards were Presented to:-

Janice Lamkin - (belatedly) For her part in the outstanding planning and organising of the 35th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner Jeanene Schapel - For her excellent work in correcting the Official photographs Craig Wood & Dave Richards - For their splendid work in safely retrieving a stranger and his bogged vehicle at the Coorong Clean-up at 28 Mile Crossing Beach Kathy Grigg - For her quick thinking in arranging Emergency Tx and evacuation by Ambulance of a member on their Pooncarrie trip who unfortunately had been bitten by a Red Back spider. (The ICE form proved to be a very helpful item).


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10% DISCOUNT ON ALL BRAKE, STEERING AND SUSPENSION REPAIRS INCLUDING IRONMAN SPRINGS AND SHOCKERS.

SPECIAL CLUB PRICES ON ALL KELLY, KUMHO, COOPER & TOYO TYRES

FREE AFTER SALES SERVICE ON EVERY SET OF 4 TYRES PURCHASED (ROTATION AND BALANCE, & CHECK STEERING,

SUSPENSION & BRAKES EVERY 10000KM FOR THE LIFE OF THE TYRES

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On Friday September 26th fifteen members and friends made their way to Bushys campground located out of Coonalpyn, for some sand dune driving. The camping area where we stayed is on the edge of open paddocks with two long-drop toilets, one of which had a resident brown snake estimated to be around one and a half metres (five feet) long living under the slab. It did not pose a problem once we were all aware of its presence.

The weather was fine and warm, and all had arrived with plenty of time for the usual happy hour, which actually lasted well over the hour, and it was dark before we dispersed to make our evening meal. Most then enjoyed a friendly gathering around a blazing fire until it was time to retire. Saturday morning brought more warm sunny weather, and following hearty breakfasts and the normal briefing by our

trip leaders Chris and Tony, we set out to conquer the dunes. Tony took us to our first dune which those who had been there before said was very difficult to get over, and it did indeed prove just that, with only three vehicles managing to achieve success, despite some having many attempts. It was then on to some easier dunes so that confidences could be somewhat restored, and finally it was back to camp for lunch. Another session after lunch was spent touring the property, seeking out all the dunes to be scaled. Tyre pressures were found to be critical, and most drivers found that their vehicles’ pressures had risen over the morning, and made the necessary adjustments. The success rate was high and by late afternoon people were more than happy to return to camp and again partake of happy hour, followed by tea, and another enjoyable session around the campfire.

During the night a change of weather came in, and there were frequent strong gusts of wind through the night which continued during the morning. The sand on the dunes had dried a little more with the wind, but despite that we returned to the troublesome dune of yesterday and many attempts were again made with lots of advice from the successful ones about what technique should be used; what gear to use; and the speed to begin at and soon almost everyone had been over the dune to the cheering of the onlookers. We then followed Tony as he led us to other parts of the property we had not been to, and all too soon it was time to return once more to camp, to eat, pack up, and finally leave for home. All would agree it was a great weekend, and thanks to Tony and Chris for being our trip leaders.

Rod NPC 388

Bushy’s Sand Driving Week-end September 26-29th 2014


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Support the businesses that support the Club

www.batterydiscounters.com.au

CHEAPEST BATTERIES TO SUIT ALL CARS & 4WDs IN ADELAIDE

Peter & Rick's Auto Workshop

14 Provident Avenue Glynde SA 5070 Ph: 08 8365 5100

unit 4/27 Oaklands Rd - Somerton Park PO Box 796 Brighton SA 5048

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What a night! Saturday 20th of September saw a group of Patrollers and friends gather at the Fulham Park Raceway (FPR). Our hosts John and Sue had not only organised a slot car racing night, but an historic walk of the Fulham Park area and a BBQ before the racing began. John led the walk and read from his extensive notes at the many points of interest. He told us of the Fulham Park Stud (horses), later to become the Kidman Stud which was located across the River Torrens from John and Sue’s house. The “Reed Beds” was a well known area frequented by the local aboriginal people because of the native food available. A vineyard at the Reed Beds was one of the first planted in South Australia and Moore Park Farm, also in the Reed Beds, had 20 acres planted with orchard fruits — hence the origin of the Moore Park apricot. After the diversion of the Torrens through Breakout Creek in the 1930s to its current outlet, the Reed Beds effectively ceased to exist.

We visited the old house of Sir Sidney Kidman, a well known South Australian pastoralist, and the home of Captain Samuel White called Weetunga. Samuel White was a naturalist and avid bird collector. Some of his collection is held by the SA Museum.

Well, after that informative walk, it was back to the FPR for a BYO BBQ. Thanks to John and Sue for the brand new BBQ and the extras that went onto the plate. Now for the serious stuff. The FPR was set up with two four lane race tracks. There were enough participants for separate men’s and women’s races. Each person started by getting his or her handicap by racing 15 laps to determine their best lap time. John worked out everyone’s handicap from these times. If a racer got a better lap time during a race heat, then their handicap was increased. Each person had 4 heats on each race track. Each heat was 15 laps of the track. The racing was fast and furious. Many marshals were needed to place cars back on the tracks when the racers got too enthusiastic at the tight corners. Several sheep stations changed hands during the night. Winners were calculated from the overall time to complete the four heats. The tracks are all computer-controlled and timed, and the soft-ware can calculate best lap time for each person and his or her cumulative heat times as well as heat placings.

(Continued on page 11)

SLOT CAR NIGHT AT THE FPR

Weetunga –Built for Samuel White –Built 1878 “Place of Water”

“Jerusalem” - White family private wild life sanctuary Fulham (B17494 SLSA)


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The winners for the various sections were: Women’s BRM GT: 1st Jeanene Schapel (on the Lincoln Park track) 2nd Judy Cook 3rd Aileen Kitto Women’s Slot.it Group C): 1st Helen Richards (on the FPR circuit) 2nd Marie Dalitz 3rd Judy Cook Men’s V8 Supercars: 1st Jim Byfield (on the FPR circuit) 2nd Jeff Schapel 3rd Brian Cook Men’s FJ Holdens: 1st Jeff Schapel (on the Lincoln Park track) 2nd Matthew Schapel 3rd Jim Byfield Under 15 combined: Axel Westren-Schapel Ajax Westren-Schapel The evening closed with a presentation of prizes to the winners and a big thank you to John and Sue for organising the activities for the evening.

Helen also thanked the other FPR members who came to prepare the tracks, to help every-one get used to the hand controllers, to run races and to act as marshals.

Thanks also to Jim and Pauline who organised the prizes. Jeff Schapel NPC 31

(Continued from page 10)

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PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WINNERS

NATURE

1st Jim Byfield:- “Happy Daze” - Kuitpo Forest (Top left) 2nd: Pauline Byfield:- “Being Friendly” Otway Ranges (Middle left)

PEOPLE

1st Pauline Byfield:- “Wild Man of the Otways” (Bottom middle) 2nd Helen Richards:- “Bushy’s 2014” (Bottom Left)

SUNSET/SUNRISE

1st Pauline Byfield:- “Breaking through” - near Mt. Hotham. (Top middle) 2nd Don Grigg:- “Murbko Sunset” (Right middle)

OPEN

1st Rod Kitto:-”Ready for Take-off Sir” - Morgan Quarry (Top right) 2nd Don Grigg:- “Picnic Area-Mt Buffalo” (Bottom right)


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PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WINNERS

NATURE

1st Jim Byfield:- “Happy Daze” - Kuitpo Forest (Top left) 2nd: Pauline Byfield:- “Being Friendly” Otway Ranges (Middle left)

PEOPLE

1st Pauline Byfield:- “Wild Man of the Otways” (Bottom middle) 2nd Helen Richards:- “Bushy’s 2014” (Bottom Left)

SUNSET/SUNRISE

1st Pauline Byfield:- “Breaking through” - near Mt. Hotham. (Top middle) 2nd Don Grigg:- “Murbko Sunset” (Right middle)

OPEN

1st Rod Kitto:-”Ready for Take-off Sir” - Morgan Quarry (Top right) 2nd Don Grigg:- “Picnic Area-Mt Buffalo” (Bottom right)

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NISSAN VEHICLE SAFETY RECALL

The following information has been taken from the Saturday Advertiser Oct. 25th 2014

Nissan Motor Co. (Aust) is recalling a number of vehicle models built between April 2001 and June 2003.The commencement date for this recall is 14th Oct. 2014. Vehicles included in the recall which may affect Nissan Patrol Club members are:- Nissan Y61 Patrol D22 Navara Nissan N16 Pulsar A33 Maxima T30 X-Trail Defect: Nissan has identified that the front passenger airbag inflators may have been manufac-tured out of specification. This defect can create excessive pressure within the inflator during airbag deployment and may result in abnormal deployment. Hazard:- In certain cases, the inflator housing may rupture and the metal fragments may scatter with the potential to cause occupant injury. What to Do:- Nissan is currently contacting owners of affected vehicles to inform them of this recall. If your vehicle is covered by this recall, please contact your Nissan Dealer to book your vehicle in for replacement of the front passenger airbag inflator. The replacement will be per-formed free of charge. Contact Details:- If you have any further enquiries (including whether your vehicle is covered by this recall) please contact your Nissan Dealer or the Nissan Customer Service Centre on 1800 988 334.

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS MURBKO LAGOON 23 - 27 January 2015

Aquatic Weekend at Murbko Lagoon - Come for a day or the entire period

The cost is $10 per day per vehicle through a self-registration system at the gate. The camping area has no facilities and no toilets. The Club toilet tent will be available or bring your own facilities. Bring your own food, water and drinks. Be prepared to dress up for Happy Hour on Sunday evening, in either Green and Gold, or Red, White and Blue, or be adventurous and dress up as a famous Australian. Bring nibblesfor a pre-dinner Happy Hour which are colour co-ordinated with Aussie colours, and an “Australian” dessert to share. Bring your swimming, canoeing, fishing etc. gear. Note:- This is a Fruit Fly exclusion zone, which means you must not bring fruit or vegetables into the area unless you have an itemised receipt from an Adelaide retailer or risk an on the spot fine of $375.


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Flies, Flies, Flies received 13/10/14

Hi Kate, Sending an article about 'Flies' from our recent 4WD trip. The 'Great Australian Salute' was practised to extreme on our recent 1000km journey through the Simp-son Desert. Travelling south to north following the Warburton Track and Hay River Track. The small bush fly which feeds on protein in moisture took great delight in sitting in the corners of our eyes, somersault-ing in our nostrils and ears and climbing into our mouths and all this with our fly nets on! We pulled the strings tighter and tighter around our neck till we nearly strangled ourselves and yet they still found their way in. Going to the toilet in the open air was very unpleasant but I won't go into detail. The flies were up at sunrise so Tim would light a fire and sit in the smoke to eat his breakfast. He claimed they didn't bother him as much then. I didn't know what was worse. At lunch we had to work quickly otherwise they would be spread on our sandwich. Half a dozen were always doing breaststroke in our cup of coffee. The buzzing noise was relentless and didn't stop until the sun was completely set. Finally a break! Then the moths and tiny flying bugs started but that is another story!! Lunch Yum!! Cheers Diana and Tim Bradshaw (NPC 378)

Funny Sign In Caravan Park - received 13/10/14 Hi Kate, this was a common question asked at Mt Surprise Bedrock Village Caravan Park Northern Qld. “Can you buy the Sunday Mail in Mt Surprise on Sunday?? NO!! We have flushing toilets and Wi Fi but Qantas does not fly to Mt Sur-prise on Sundays yet! Yesterday's paper is available tomorrow at today's prices from the shop this side of the pub each Mon-day, Wednesday and Friday after the bus comes in at midday!!” Cheers - Diana Bradshaw (NPC 378)

Emails received from Happy Travellers

HOME-MADE MOSQUITO REPELLANT

Combine the following in a 500ml spray bottle:-

15 drops Lavender Oil 3-4 tablespoons Vanilla Extract 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Fill the bottle with water, shake and it is ready for use

Also included in the article was the following hint. If you have already been attacked by mosquitos and itching, try this - heat a spoon under hot water, quickly dry the spoon and press it onto the bite for about a minute. The heat supposedly destroys the protein that caused the reac-tion and the itching will stop. (Don’t burn yourself) Good Luck! (Copied from:- “On Patrol” magazine - Nissan Patrol 4WD Club of NSW & ACT Inc)

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Meeting up with Pat & Des, David & Lynne, Bob & Janice at Dublin for our Wildflower Adventure, the first week went so quickly with not too much happening but covering lots of kilometres. The first night was spent at Lake Hart then onto Coober Pedy, Erldunda then Alice Springs. Bob had an electrical problem but was soon sorted out by the local Electrician. We visited the Hall of Fame Motor Museum the next day and then onto Daly Waters, where we had an excellent meal of “Beef & Barra” with Live entertainment. The chap who showed us to our camp sites was quite a character, rode a pushbike with a toy horse head on the handle bars. David Foster had some bad news next morning; one of his Sisters who had been ill for some time passed away overnight. Back tracked about 30km to Dunmarra and onto the Buchanan “Highway”. What a road! Very corrugated, rocky, dusty and stony. On arrival at Jasper Gorge, Pat and Des’s vent in their shower room had blown open and filled their van with dust. Others had a few problems like items meeting them when they opened their doors. Booked an evening boat cruise at Timber Creek on the Victoria River which was very good. Saw lots of Crocs and stopped at a pontoon in the middle of the river and had a light meal of finger food. Also saw lots of Wallabies and some wild Pigs. Drove out to Ivanhoe Crossing which is now closed to traffic. Next couple of days visited Hoochey Distillery, Sandalwood factory. Bought some sandalwood incense sticks – made in China! Ivanhoe Café sell delicious Mango smoothies which we tried a couple of times. At Kununurra thousands of Fruit Bats flying over park at dusk.

Arrived at Fitzroy Crossing just in time for Geikie Gorge boat tour. Next day was Broome which had certainly grown since we were last there. Open Air Theatre with lots of old movie memorabilia. In the evening at 8.21pm watched the Moon come up over the bay and gave us a fabulous “Stairway to the Moon”.


A WILDFLOWER TRAIL – 27TH JULY 2014


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Checked out Cable Beach, all very busy. At Karratha drove out to Dampier to see “Red Dog” monument. Next day met up with Colin and Tricia at Carnarvon Caravan Park. Cloudy with a few showers in the afternoon. First since leaving home. Stopped at Hamelin’s Pool and Stromatolites which seem to be breaking down. From there to Monkey Mia where the Dolphins came right in next to us. Today big fishing trip in the “Max Attack” charter boat. Headed off at 7.45am Pat & Des, Colin, David A & Bob. Quite an exciting day with Bob landing the largest fish but could not keep as it was over-size. Pat was the winner of the day with the biggest keepable fish, “Pink Schnapper” and also the best eating fish, “Blue Boned Groper”. Also saw lots of Whales. Next day Pat was sporting quite a few bruises as a result of the fishing expedition. Onto Kalbarri National Park and Natures Window. Tonight out to “Findlay’s BBQ” restaurant which was a terrific place, beaut meals of fish or steak, followed by Mud cake and Pavlova. Lots of collectible memorabilia to look at while dining. In Perth went to “Kings Park” and gardens. We then took the train to Fremantle and back by ferry. Father’s Day lunch at “Beeches Bistro”. Weather very windy and wet. David & Lynne and Janice & Bob left the group going their separate ways the next day. We came down through Albany, Ravensthorpe and Esperance. We then left Pat and Des as more bad news of one of David’s Brothers having passed away. All in all a wonderful trip, seeing lots of Wildflowers and wonderful scenery. Thanks to Pat & Des for planning and organising such a fantastic trip. David & Gloria Foster NPC 375)


Four Tired Tourists at Fremantle Maritime Museum

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Following the general meeting of the Nissan Patrol Club held at Challa Gardens School on Thursday 2 October, in three vehicles, Helen & Dave, Craig, Rodney & Aileen, headed north to enjoy an early start to the Whyalla weekend. We travelled for a couple of hours before pulling into an overnight rest spot just outside Spalding. We awoke Friday morning to beautiful clear blue skies and enjoyed our breakfast in the sun before heading on through rolling green paddocks lush with crops of different kinds. There were also plenty of other travellers on the road towing their vans and boats away for the long weekend. We continued towards Port Pirie and around here noticed the crops were more advanced and starting to dry off. It was time for refreshments at Port Augusta so we ate lunch under the shade of a gum tree growing along the beautifully developed boardwalk on the banks of Spencer Gulf. Following the break we continued on to Whyalla and headed for the showgrounds where we arrived about 2 pm. After registering our arrival we set up camp and investigated the trips on offer this year. It was decided to tackle two of the new ones “Poonana” and “Darke Peak”. Once this was done we were free to look around Whyalla. Helen and Aileen took a wander around the showgrounds and met a couple of ladies, Ros and Dale who were from Innisfail and travelling Australia. They were busy with their metal detectors and gave us a quick lesson on handling the machines and fossicking. It appears that old coins and metal are still reasonably plentiful as we were told they had almost recovered the $2,000 cost of their detectors in only four months! The president of Whyalla 4 x 4 club, Trevor Beck, came over and welcomed us to Whyalla while we watched other participants arrive. A schnitzel night was provided by the Whyalla Table Tennis Club tonight so we enjoyed this with many of the other weekend guests. Rodney enjoyed a few

games of table tennis with a club member after tea. A huge fire of old tree butts was lit at 7 pm, much to the delight of the children who had been eagerly awaiting this event. Many congregated around the fire and talked during the even-ing. We awoke early on Saturday morning eager to commence the weekend activities. RFDS offered a BBQ breakfast to

help support their fundraising activities. Our first trip consisted of 9 vehicles lined up behind the pink flag (channel 14) and our leader was Fons and tail end was Chris. We left on the dot of 9 am and headed down the Lincoln Highway towards Cowell. Fons provided detailed commentary on the passing landscape and history of the area. Our first stop was approx. 30 km from Whyalla at an iron shed covered in names and dates going


Whyalla October Long Weekend


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back to the late 1800’s. This was a remarkable remnant of travellers from years past and one which you would normally just pass straight by without a second look. We continued onto Cowell where we stopped for morning tea and then turned off towards Cleve passing the Mount Miller Wind Farm. The blades on these turbines are appar-ently smaller than normal. We also stopped at a me-morial to May Gibbs MBE 1877-1969, the creator of Gum Nut Babies as her first Australian home was in this area. Today the ex-pected high was 34 degrees so we were kept alert watching for the many lizards crossing the road. We were taken onto private property near Poonana where the land owner joined us and provided a very informative tour of his property and the adjoining Yeldulknie Conservation Park. Our lunch spot was at the 100 year old Yeldulknie Weir before entering another property for a rocky ridge track climb up Triple Hill. We returned to Whyalla stopping briefly at Ash Hall an old disused dance hall to find John & Mad-die had arrived and set up camp. Due to the low number of participants this year the Whyalla organising team were out scouting for more to partake in the Night GPS Navigation Challenge. With a little coercing Rodney & Dave teamed up in one car and Craig & John in another. It was a beautiful warm evening and we en-

joyed a drink and snack before Helen, Maddie and Aileen went to the foreshore to watch the sunset and the boys organised themselves for the GPS navigation course. The boys commenced the course with a list of waypoints and had to find the answers to questions on their sheets at each of these waypoints. None had used the GPS in this manner before so found it difficult but after the initial con-fusion, began to get the idea. The next three hours were spent negotiating very rugged terrain over narrow tracks in the dark on Mt Laura. A sideways tilted gully, a very steep ascent and many, many scratches to the car were encountered as well as helping another participant change a flat

tyre. The course was eventually finished and the boys returned to camp to enjoy tea that had been prepared by the girls. Meanwhile back at camp the fire brigade arrived as they received a report of a fire from a concerned mem-ber of the public. This was of course the “small to me-dium cooking fire” burning in a well dug pit. The bri-gade had been advised of the activity but were re-quired to attend. The children were very appreciative of the flashing lights and siren! What a full day of fun and excitement! Sunday morning saw the commencement of day light saving so we were up bright and early for our adventure to Darke Peak. Following breakfast we lined up behind the green flag (channel



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16) with 9 other vehicles with Jay as leader and Greg as tail end and then headed down the Lin-coln Highway to Cowell. We again drove through a patchwork of green and drying grain crops before stopping at Centenary Park on the outskirts of Cleve for morning tea. Our drive continued on bitumen to Rudall and then the township of Darke Peak beside the Cummins/Buckleboo railway. Just before Darke Peak we turned onto the dirt and climbed to a lookout where we let down the tyres. We then crawled along the quartzite ridge top of the Darke Peak range stopping at vantage points for photos and lunch at a stone cairn. In places we were 425m high and the track was very rocky and overgrown with bush. The views were spectacular. Wow what a drive! Once back at the bottom of the range we stopped at the grave site of John Charles Darke, a surveyor, who was mortally wounded by natives while exploring the area. We inflated the tyres again in Darke Peak township and then followed a

good dirt road stopping at Carappee Hill the highest exposed granite rock mass on Eyre Peninsula. It was then onto Kimba for a photo with the Big Cockatoo and an ice cream. We then headed back to Whyalla via a dirt road stopping at the Secret Rocks enroute. The camp oven cook off was scheduled tonight so Helen organised her Lamb Obsession and we also made a Peach/Pineapple Cobbler dessert. Judging was supposed to be at 7:30 pm so we thought timing was critical but unfortunately other contestants were allowed longer. Helen was happy with her cook and we certainly all enjoyed helping to eat the meal even if there were no winning dishes this year.

We then settled back to enjoy the band and an evening by the fire, although it was a very mild evening. Another great day! Overnight a change came in and we woke on Monday morning to a few spots of rain and very strong winds. This turn in the weather encouraged participants to pack up and head off home instead of participating in local trips, town tours and some Mt Laura tracks in daylight. The Whyalla 4 WD Club once again hosted a great week end, enjoyed by those present and hopefully raised a reasonable donation for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Helen Richards & Aileen Kitto



Patrolling

Patrolling


FOR SALE

Nissan Patrol Club sticker: Large circle $2.20. Nissan Patrol Club cloth badges: $3.00 Nissan Patrol Club Key Rings: $5.00 Water Bottles: Light stainless steel, $8.00 each or 2 for $15.00. Contact Marina.

REMEMBER - when disposing of your old vehicle, please remove your club stickers, as the person you sell it to may not be as concerned with the do’s and don’ts of four wheel driving as you are and therefore will give the Club a bad name.

BROTHER COMPACT MONO LASER PRINTER with Wireless capacity

Brand new but, as it turns out, not needed. Cost $80, sell for $60.

Phone: 8341 7075. Pat & Des Trowbridge

"A Poem" - (sent in by two of our Nissan Patrol Members!) I have a little Satnav, It sits there in my car A Satnav is a driver's friend, it tells you where you are. I have a little Satnav, I've had it all my life It's better than the normal ones, my Satnav is my wife. It gives me full instructions, especially how to drive "It's sixty k's an hour", it says, "You're doing sixty five". It tells me when to stop and start, and when to use the brake And tells me that it's never ever, safe to overtake. It tells me when a light is red, and when it goes to green It seems to know instinctively, just when to intervene. It lists the vehicles just in front, and all those to the rear And taking this into account, it specifies my gear. I'm sure no other driver, has so helpful a device For when we leave and lock the car, it still gives its advice. It fills me up with counselling, each journey's pretty fraught So why don't I exchange it, and get a quieter sort? Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, makes sure I'm properly fed It washes all my shirts and things, and keeps me warm in bed! Despite all these advantages, and my tendency to scoff, I only wish that now and then, I could TURN THE SATNAV OFF. (Depending on one’s views, the above may or may not be relevant!)


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Patrolling


patrolling€¦ · views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not those of the nissan patrol...

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